Dahlias were extremely popular in my world decades ago but somehow made way for other blooms. I remember an aunt having her entire front yard covered in a variety of them. I used to love walking the path to her front door surrounded on all sides by these colourful flowers. I did not realize Peonies, currently in favor, are from that same group. Peonies are some of my most favourite flowers. Even when dried, they are such a lovely decoration in the home!

Excuse me, my expression “peony from China” seems to have caused confusion. Peony is not from the same group with Dahlia. “The peony is a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae.” “Dahlia is a member of the Asteraceae (or Compositae), dicotyledonous plants, related species include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia.” In Japan, it has another name “Tenshin (China) Botan (Peony)” as some of dahlias look like peonies.

Dear Yoko - I did not realise that Dahlias originated in Mexico - they seem to flourish in many countries around the world, but we usually have to lift them over here during the winter months unless they are planted in a very sheltered spot.I was visiting a garden yesterday and was also admiring the Dahlias which this year seem to have put on a particularly wonderful show over here too.

I knew of the dahlias, but I had no idea there were so many different types and so many different colors! And once again, your photography is matchless! You really could do an exhibition of the flora of your part of the country! Or maybe put together a coffee table book. What a pleasure to share your pictures.

Dahlia's are like people - many varieties and each with distinct characteristics. I grew them in Denver in pots on my side patio. They were long-blooming and colorful. You have shown so many lovely varieties in your photos. I wonder if they must dig up the tubers every fall and replant in the spring? How wonderful to walk those winding paths amid such vibrant blooms! It's trying to snow at my house - the peaks are white.

Lovely pictures! That is what we do in Russia:dig up the tubers to store them for winter months. Dear Yoko, I would like to ask a favour of you, if you don't mind. We have planned a trip to Japan and are staying in Nara for three days in a couple of months. Could you recommend "a must" to see and to do in your town? I would really appreciate it, you represent your place in an admirable way! I will come back to read your advice, thanks in advance. Take care!

Hi Yoko! Thank you so much for commenting on my blog! I hope that you are happy and enjoying life. I'm taking a little break ... seems like I need one every so often. I may post occasionally on L & L Photography (the blog page), but it is necessary sometimes to get away from the usual routine. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!

Welcome to my Blog

Welcome to my blog, and my world! I’m a Japanese, born and raised in Kobe, a cosmopolitan port city, and now living in Nara, the cradle of Japanese culture. I'm happy to share things and places I love with you and exchange ideas and thoughts. Thank you for stopping by and taking time.

Hakuba Village, Nagano

Oide Suspension Bridge

Rainbows on earth

Lilies at Maishima Island

Winter pond reflection

Saho River, Nara

the sea of Kobe westward

Danny's Christmas tree

Outward from the Home Planet

The Earth reminded us of a Christmas tree ornament hanging in the blackness of space. As we got farther and farther away it diminished in size. Finally it shrank to the size of a marble, the most beautiful marble you can imagine. That beautiful, warm, living object looked so fragile, so delicate, that if you touched it with a finger it would crumble and fall apart. Seeing this has to change a man, has to make a man appreciate the creation of God and the love of God.
- James Irwin -

The Blue Marble via Wikimedia

from my son's wedding album

The Little Church

If you want your dream to be
Build it slow and surely.
Small beginnings, greater ends.
Heartfelt work grows purely.

If you want to live life free,
Take your time, go slowly.
Do few things, but do them well.
Simple joys are holy.

Isui-en Garden

About Me

I am a Japanese, non-native speaker of English, who likes to think about things and express them in English. I named my handle name "Stardust." I'm consisted of particles, like a stardust, drifting in space, hoping to shine with her spirit burning bright someday. Still, such particles feel and think on this planet -- what a mystery, what a wonder, what a blessing!
My icon lotus flower symbolizes "spiritual growth from the muddy darkness to the light of the sun".